Tories bid to wreck minimum wage

Millions of low-paid staff could have their salaries slashed under Tory plans to wreck the minimum wage.

Millions of low-paid staff could have their salaries slashed under Tory plans to wreck the minimum wage.

Union leaders and Labour MPs were last night furious at proposals to let workers opt out of the system put in place to stop their exploitation.

The Bill is being put forward by Christopher Chope, who last year claimed £136,992 in expenses, and is backed by a dozen other Conservative MPs.

They include Peter Bone, once dubbed Britain's meanest boss for bragging he paid staff less than £1 a hour. The plan is being brought under the Human Rights Act.

Tories claim it will make it easier for bosses to hire people if they are prepared to work for less money.

But former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "Only a Tory could suggest not being able to work for less than the minimum wage would be a denial of Human Rights."

Shopworkers' union Usdaw attacked the plans. Leader John Hannett said: "The minimum wage provides income protection and security for millions of workers.

This is a little insight into what a Conservative government would do. They are still fighting the battles of the 80s and 90s when they abolished the wages councils and left millions of workers without wage protection.

"David Cameron talks about an age of austerity, well we now know he means it for low-paid workers." Unison general secretary Dave Prentis added: "Chris Chope and his Tory cabal want to turn the clock back to the days of poverty pay where workers are exploited by unscrupulous bosses.

"The sham Caring Conservatism is stripped bare by their plans. They show they are not on the side of ordinary hard-working people." The Bill is being put forward in the Commons on Friday.

Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell told the Commons yesterday: "The one thing we won't be doing is abolishing the minimum wage."

More than 100 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion by John Prescott condemning the Tory plans and calling on leader David Cameron to distance himself from the bid to impoverish workers.

Ministers yesterday announced the minimum wage is to increase by 7p to £5.80 an hour from October.

The rate for 18-21-year-olds will go up by 6p to £4.83 and for 16 and 17-year-olds by 4p to £3.57.